Does your child have trouble focusing on schoolwork or paying attention in class? While these can be signs of ADHD, they can also be symptoms of a vision problem. Here’s how to tell the difference between ADHD and poor vision in your child—and why glasses, not medication, might be the answer.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 8.4% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)1. And some studies estimate even higher rates than that2.

But, while symptoms like poor concentration, reduced attention span, and being easily distracted are signs of ADHD, they can also be signs of something else—poor eyesight.

How Vision Problems Can Mimic ADHD

If your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, it may be due to an underlying problem with their vision.

Some sight disorders can cause behavioral problems in children, especially in a learning setting3. Children who can’t focus in school or find themselves making silly mistakes (symptoms of both ADHD and poor eyesight) may feel frustrated with themselves, and that frustration so frequently leads to misbehavior. Too often, children with these symptoms are diagnosed with ADHD.

So, how can you tell if your child has ADHD or just needs glasses?

When to Consider an Eye Exam Instead of ADHD Testing

In general, it’s important to get your child’s eyes checked from an early age—but doing so can also prevent them from being misdiagnosed with ADHD.

Here are a few vision-related red flags to watch out for in your young child:

  • Difficulty when looking through picture books
  • Squinting
  • Frequent headaches
  • Eye soreness
  • Frequent rubbing of the eyes

If your child does have poor eyesight, treating any vision problems can help your child see better and, by extension, feel more confident and capable in the classroom.

If you have any concerns about your child’s eye health or vision, the children’s eye specialists at Vistar Eye Center are happy to help. Contact us today!